So I got a herina

[vonfunk]

I haven't been around much.
I've been drinking a lot.

But that's neither here nor there.

a couple of weeks I had a minor blockage. Normally I just take a bunch of things and pass out for 8 hours. But this happened at 9am while at work. So there was trip to the hospital and a day of morphine. The CT scan showed I had a parastomal hernia which I did not know about, because it pretty much looks the same.

In other news I'm going to Cuba next month, any tips for flying with a bag?

 

[Terriernut]

Oh dear Jason. As a sufferer of a wonker of a hernia (and yes, it will grow and grow) I dont envy you!

And a blockage as well! No sense going halfway there!

Actually, I think flying with a bag will be a breeze. Just make sure you have your medical card explaining why you have all your gear with you on the plane.

 

[vonfunk]

Well I just finished making a prototype compression belt. it's mostly a tube of heavy fabric with a space for the bag to expand, that wraps around my stomach and industrial strength velcro. Kind of like a cummerbund but way sexier as the only way to see it would be if I was shirtless.
The next iteration will have adjustable compression straps like backpacks have. I'm still learning howto use my sewing machine so it's slow going.

 

[2thFairy]

Precut your bags, as you will have your little scissors confiscated by the security check.

 

[rygon]

I dont think the bag will expand that much as the compression is only to 5000ft, I know of a guy who skydives (15000ft) with a bag and i dont think he did anything different.

Sorry to hear about the hernia/blockage, sounds bloody painful.

Hope you enjoy Cuba

 

[DMac]

[Terriernut]Oh dear Jason. As a sufferer of a wonker of a hernia (and yes, it will grow and grow)

Hi Terriernut

As someone who is completely ignorant about hernias. How do they treat them?

I didn't even know you can have a hernia without knowing.

Thanks..

 

[ChefShazzy]

Heyyy Jason, long time no see! Sucks to hear about the blockage & hernia... are they going to do anything to fix the hernia?

Cool beans about Cuba, though; where are you going? Have a great trip, try to leave some rum for the Cubans...

 

[Misty-Eyed]

Flying is amazing with a bag. You can sit at the airport and actually chill out rather than worrying about if you need to go to the toilet one last time before getting on the plane. Then while sitting on the plane you get no trapped wind from holding anything in because it just comes out by itself. I was worried about the bag expanding loads as it does that anyway but it was fine.

 

[Terriernut]

My hernia had to be repaired surgically. But it's bbaaaaaccckkkkkk............

They used mesh. It is back because my muscles are shot in my abdomen. Mine started slowly, and grew and grew. I tried belts and support garments and all I got for my trouble was blow outs.

 

[vonfunk]

for awhile I thought the blockages were related to drinking a specific type of beer, but the fact that the hernia was to blame makes me feel better.
They'll fix the hernia when I have my second surgery. And i'm hoping that by making my own support devices I can keep it in check and avoid it getting worse and having blow outs.

 

[Mountaingem]

:hug:Good to see you Jason! I was just wondering where you've been when I saw this thread. Flying should be OK with the bag, just the stupid usual airport security BS about scissors, etc. You might want to get a note from your doctor ahead of time in case security makes an issue out of anything.

I'm so sorry you're going through more health problems...I have another friend who has this kind of hernia.

The main thing they told her was to stop drinking alcohol...But I'm not the one to tell you that lol!

Hope you have fun in Cuba-and don't forget us here. If you need to talk we're all here for you!:thumright:

 

[vonfunk]

I might get a friend who is fluent in Spanish to write me a note explaining things to make it easier at customs, but I can't imagine it being too much of an issue.

 

[shazz]

Have fun in Cuba and defo have a beer or 2 for me cause i still can't drink!

Sorry about the other health issues and good luck with the flight.

Let us know how you get on.

Xxxxxxxxxxxxx

 

[ameslouise]

Hey Jason - Sorry to hear about this new development! I hope it doesn't impact your trip to Cuba - have fun! Ahhhh, ropa vieja and mafongo - two of my favorite Cuban dishes!!

As for flying - no issues in my experience. But now with the new scanners, as opposed to the metal detectors, my bag did produce a "question area." I told the TSA agents it was my bag, and instead of patting me down, they made me pat myself down, then ran a swab over my hands, then tested the swap for "suspicious materials." They were very professional and the whole thing was handled with great tact. I was impressed.

Good luck!! - Amy

 

[Nyx]

I've never had a problem flying. I've even been patted down twice and they understood when I told them I have a bag (they always touch the top of it when they run their fingers around the inside of your waistband). On the plane itself, never had an issue of any kind.

Sorry about the blockage and hernia, hope you get that taken care of soon and have a great time in Cuba!

 

[vonfunk]

This will be my first trip longer than a couple days since surgery, and my first visit to cuba since I got sick. In theory it'll be like any other one trip down. Drink too much and try to seduce a German tourist.